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Ancient India

Samudragupta

1. Introduction 2. Early Life & Accession to the Throne ✔ Son of Chandragupta I and Kumaradevi.✔ Selected as the heir by Chandragupta I, possibly over other brothers.✔ Became emperor in 335 CE, leading one of the greatest expansion campaigns in Indian history. 3. Military Conquests & Expansion ✔ Northern Conquests ✔ Southern Campaign (Dakshinapatha […]

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Ancient India

Chandragupta I

1. Introduction 2. Early Life & Accession to the Throne ✔ Succeeded his father Ghatotkacha as the ruler of a small kingdom.✔ Expanded his territory through strategic marriage with Kumaradevi, a princess of the Lichchhavi clan (Nepal region).✔ Declared himself Maharajadhiraja (King of Kings) in 319 CE, marking the start of the Gupta Era. 3. […]

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Art and Culture

Ajivika Sect

1. Introduction 2. Origin & Founder ✔ Makkhali Gosala (Founder): ✔ Time Period: 6th Century BCE – 14th Century CE (declined after 1st millennium CE). ✔ Patronage: 3. Core Beliefs of Ajivika Philosophy Concept Explanation Niyativada (Doctrine of Fate) Everything in life is predetermined. Human effort, karma, and morality do not change destiny. No Free […]

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Ancient India

Bindusara

1. Introduction 2. Early Life & Accession to the Throne ✔ Born around 320 BCE.✔ Son of Chandragupta Maurya & Queen Durdhara.✔ Became emperor after Chandragupta abdicated the throne in 297 BCE.✔ Ruled with the assistance of ministers like Chanakya (Kautilya). 3. Expansion & Administration ✔ Southern Expansion: ✔ Foreign Relations: ✔ Administrative Policies: ✔ […]

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Ancient India

Chandragupta Maurya

1. Introduction 2. Early Life of Chandragupta Maurya ✔ Born around 340 BCE in a humble background, possibly a Kshatriya or Shudra clan.✔ Discovered and trained by Chanakya, a scholar from Takshashila.✔ Led a rebellion against the Nanda Dynasty, eventually overthrowing Dhanananda (last Nanda ruler) around 321 BCE. 3. Chandragupta’s Conquests and Expansion ✔ Defeated […]

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Art and Culture

Nalanda University

Nalanda University, established by Kumaragupta I in the 5th century CE in Bihar, India, was the world’s first residential university, attracting scholars globally. It flourished under various dynasties, emphasizing Buddhist and secular studies until its destruction in 1193 CE. Revived in 2014, it continues to symbolize India’s academic heritage and influence.

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Art and Culture

Jataka Tales

1. Introduction 2. Structure & Content of Jataka Tales ✔ Number of Stories: 547 in the Pali Canon (Theravāda Buddhism).✔ Part of the Khuddaka Nikaya (Sutta Pitaka, Tripitaka).✔ Types of Stories: 3. Famous Jataka Tales Jataka Name Key Theme Lesson Vessantara Jataka Story of a generous prince who gave away everything Importance of charity and […]

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Art and Culture

Tripitaka

1. Introduction 2. Structure of the Tripitaka ✔ Tripitaka is divided into three sections: Pitaka (Basket) Meaning Contents Vinaya Pitaka Discipline Basket Rules for Buddhist monks and nuns (Sangha). Sutta Pitaka Teaching Basket Sermons (Suttas) of Buddha, including Dhammapada. Abhidhamma Pitaka Philosophy Basket Detailed analysis of Buddhist philosophy and psychology. 3. Detailed Explanation of Each […]

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Art and Culture

Aranyakas

The Aranyakas are Vedic texts from 800-600 BCE, serving as a bridge between the ritualistic Brahmanas and the philosophical Upanishads. Focusing on meditation and spirituality, they emphasize inner self-realization over external rituals, influencing later Hindu thought and laying the groundwork for Vedanta philosophy.

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Art and Culture

Brahmanas

1. Introduction 2. Structure & Content of the Brahmanas ✔ Each Veda has its own Brahmana: Veda Associated Brahmana(s) Key Focus Rigveda Aitareya Brahmana, Kaushitaki Brahmana Origin of the universe, social duties, royal sacrifices. Samaveda Panchavimsha (Tandya) Brahmana, Jaiminiya Brahmana Rules for chanting Samaveda hymns in rituals. Yajurveda Taittiriya Brahmana, Shatapatha Brahmana Detailed explanation of […]